The Oregon Music Hall of Fame honors Oregonians who have made outstanding contributions to, or significant impact on the evolution, development, and perpetuation of the music industry. These contributions can be on a national, regional, or local level. Nominees must have been born in Oregon, or have lived or operated in Oregon sometime during their lifetime.
As a general rule, nominees must have been in the music industry for a minimum of 20 years. Exceptions to this criterion can be made in the case of a candidate’s premature death or due to outstanding service or circumstances. Nominees can come from all musical genres, and from the following categories:
PERFORMERS: Instrumental and/or vocal. Individuals or bands/groups/ensembles that have created the music that we listen to.
NON-PERFORMERS: Songwriters, producers, conductors, engineers, disc jockeys, record executives, journalists, promoters, and other industry professionals who have had a major influence on music, locally, nationally, or internationally.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT: Teachers, venues, sponsors, businesses, organizations, philanthropists, and institutions—anyone who has made it possible for us to listen to the music that we love.
The following are additional criteria that may be used to determine the nomination of an individual or group:
- Well known in his/her field of music
- Global, national or regional exposure
- Wide name recognition outside of the state of Oregon
- Received awards for musical achievement
- Had his/her work performed on television, video, radio, or movies
- Continued popularity of musical contributions
- Has toured nationally or internationally, or has written music that has been performed on tour
Both people in the music industry and others are encouraged to suggest possible candidates whom they think are deserving of the honor of being inducted into the Oregon Music Hall of Fame. These suggestions will be considered by the OMHOF Board of Directors, who will act as the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee will then decide on yearly candidates for induction to the Oregon Music Hall of Fame.
This list of nominees will then be turned over to a special Selection Committee, made up of long-time members of the Oregon music community. This Selection Committee will then vote on the candidates, selecting new inductees each year.